P[otter], H[elen] B[eatrix]--Weatherly, Frederick E.

16mo, first and only edition, 6 chromolithographed illustrations, each signed "H.B.P." together with upper wrapper design by Beatrix Potter, original pictorial wrappers, gilt edges, tied with white silk cord finished with two tassels, some minor spotting and browning, some minor creases to upper right corner, spine frayed with 25mm. tear to foot of spine, presentation inscription on reverse of upper cover "With the New Years Greeting" with final line erased

V&A 1765; Taylor pp.51-52; Taylor, Whalley, Hobbs and Battrick p.17 and p.57; Journal pp.211-214

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

the exceptionally rare first book illustrated by beatrix potter, now thought to survive in approximately ten copies. This example has just been discovered in a private collection in the United States and is therefore, presumably, one of the Whitney issues.

The artist decided to make "a grand effort in the way of Christmas cards" in 1890 and prepared six designs before approaching a number of publishers. The first publishers she contacted provided a rejection by return of post. The second publishers, Hildesheimer and Faulkner, accepted the designs and sent a cheque in payment.

Upon a subsequent business meeting Mr. Faulkner "showed a mysterious desire" for further cards. Potter also recorded in her journal that "Mr. Faulkner had got a child's book, not of their publication, and showed me some of the pictures with an evident ambition to possess something of the same kind." This was presumably part of the genesis of the present volume.

The author of the verses, Frederic Weatherly, has been described by Taylor, Whalley, Hobbs and Battrick as "a prolific writer of doggerel". Nevertheless, this slender volume comprises the first book illustrated by beatrix potter and pre-dates peter rabbit by over a decade.